Post DOS Stress Disorder

As someone still traumatized from a year or two of contending with DOS, it baffles me that PCs became so prominent after Macs were introduced. Why would someone choose so awkward an organization system, I asked myself, when the Mac is so intuitive and user-friendly?

And why would someone choose to use a system so vulnerable to attack? I read every day — in technical publications like this one, as well as in mainstream media — about viruses and breaches.

As I downloaded the latest software updates from Apple onto my Mac earlier today, I luxuriated in the thought that I was immune from the malware worries faced by the majority of computer users — those, that is, using Windows.

With reportedly a 97 percent market share, Windows has clearly won the marketing war with Apple. We can argue which is the better system, but there’s no debating one aspect of Microsoft’s success: its dominance invites attack.

Attacking those on top seems to be a sure aspect of human nature. But clearly it no longer is just slackers putting it to the man. Today, organized gangs of cyberthieves hack for profit. Identity theft and the spread of trojans is rampant and not likely to cease anytime soon.

I wonder how much of all the malicious technical activity covered in this journal is initiated from within. The security industry would not be thriving without threats. Companies claiming to prevent attacks and guard against breaches trumpet the need for defense.

We can often pinpoint the IP address from where the attacks have originated, but I’d like to know why. Are individuals sending out their vicious payloads to sabotage the free flow of information. Or is there a commercial purpose?

As a victim of Post DOS Stress Disorder, it’s a small comfort trusting that my Mac keeps me safe.